Health & Nutritional supplements by Tim Liscombe
…by Tim Liscomb, Nutritional Supplements Specialist working mornings at Jansen’s Pharmacy
June 2010
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition characterized by periodic bouts of diarrhea usually followed by constipation. Bloating, gas, and abdominal pain are also present in varying degrees. The symptoms of IBS tend to come and go and IBS can reoccur at various times throughout a person’s life.
There are many causes of IBS and the symptoms and number of episodes often varies from person to person. Basically, there is a change in the frequency and strength of intestinal contractions, which push food through the intestines. This may be caused by food sensitivities; increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and/or a low fibre intake; parasitic infection; stress; lack of exercise and an improper microbial flora. A doctor should always be advised if you suspect IBS, as the symptoms are similar to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Natural treatments include eliminating foods which may cause food sensitivities. These include dairy, wheat, and corn. Coffee, tea and alcohol should also be avoided by those who suffer from IBS. Increasing consumption of ground flaxseed or blond psyllium help add bulk to the stool and absorb water, thus relieving some of the diarrhea. Plenty of fresh, clean water should accompany any fibre supplement.
Enteric coated peppermint capsules have also proven beneficial as they may reduce abdominal pain, distention, and flatulence. Bitters are often used to stimulate proper digestion and a good quality probiotic supplement will help to restore a healthy intestinal flora. . If you are considering these, or any other supplements, be sure to talk to a knowledgeable professional to ensure they will be safe for you.
May 2010
Inulin, a soluble fiber extracted from the chicory root, has very distinct health benefits, including the ability to lower triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol, increase calcium and magnesium absorption, aid in digestive disorders, and increase beneficial bacteria in the colon.
Inulin is an excellent source of fiber (97% pure fiber) and therefore, is not digested or absorbed by humans. Unlike other fiber supplements, Inulin dissolves completely in water, is not gritty, has absolutely no flavour, and will not thicken.
Furthermore, manufacturers can partially hydrolyze (break chemical bonds with water) to create a sweetener. This all natural sweetener is as sweet as table sugar, does not leave an aftertaste, is heat stable, and does not affect insulin levels; therefore it can be used safely by individuals with diabetes.
Perhaps Inulins greatest therapeutic benefit is its ability to act as a ‘prebiotic’, or food source for the beneficial organisms in the intestinal tract. Inclusion of Inulin in the diet has been shown to greatly increase Bifidobacterium and thereby inhibit pathogenic organisms such as E. coli and Clostridium perfringens. Also, in animal models, Inulin has been shown to prevent precancerous changes in the colon.
This versatile plant fiber is increasingly being used in the food manufacturing industry to replace sugar, fats and flour in baked products. As a nutritional supplement, it can be added to any food or beverage to provide added fiber and/or added sweetness.
If you have questions about the benefits of Inulin, come down to Janzen’s or call to book a personal consultation. Also, visit us on the web at www.janzens.ca
April 2010
What do varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and heart disease have in common? They are all a result of an impaired circulatory system and their effects can range from minor discomfort to death, if left untreated.
Varicose veins occur when a valve in the vein malfunctions. The valve normally prevents the blood from traveling backwards due to the effects of gravity. When the valve malfunctions the blood pools in the vein causing it to enlarge and become dilated and distorted. The result is a cosmetically unpleasant appearance often accompanied by pain, leg heaviness, cramps and a sensation of swelling. This condition is known as venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiencies also manifest as hemorrhoids, which are a type of varicose vein. However, hemorrhoids are usually caused by constipation, a low-fiber diet, straining during a bowel movement, a sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy or liver cirrhosis.
Bioflavonoids, including diosmin, aescin, hesperidin, rutin, and OPC’s can significantly improve chronic venous insufficiencies, lymphedema, venous leg ulcers and hemorrhoids. They do this by increasing microcirculation, capillary flow, vascular tone and by strengthening connective tissue.
In clinical trials, a bioflavonoid from orange peel (Diosmin) stopped acute bleeding hemorrhoids in 92% of patients after only four days. Diosmin in combination with Hesperidin has also been shown to be clinically effective for ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Blood vessels are arranged in an elaborate network of interconnected branches; all of which are essential to the proper structure and function of the circulatory system. Even the slightest impediment of flow can compromise the supply of nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs, and have a profound effect on health.
If you have questions about the benefits of bioflavonoids for venous insufficiencies, come down to Janzen’s or call to book a personal consultation. Also, visit us on the web at www.janzens.ca
March 2010
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density and the deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to more fragile bones, and therefore, a greater risk of fractures.It is estimated that 1.4 million Canadians currently have osteoporosis, costing tax payers 1.3 billion dollars in health care costs. This number is expected to increase substantially as our population ages and projected osteoporosis related health care costs are estimated to exceed 32.5 billion dollars by 2018.
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended to slow the progression of the disease; however, they do very little to reverse bone density loss on their own. Recent research has shown that Ipriflavones, a chemically modified isoflavone from soy, holds great promise in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases.
Ipriflavones enhance the function of the cells that build bone (osteoblasts) and inhibit the cells that break bone down (osteoclasts). Ipriflavones (600mg/day) in combination with calcium and vitamin D have been shown to increase bone density in clinical studies.
Ipriflavones have a good safety record, and they do not have a direct estrogenic effect as some isoflavones do. The adverse effects are typically limited to gastro-intestinal upset, but this is likely due to the type of calcium being used. Ipriflavones do compete with some medications in the liver; therefore, it is always advisable to speak with a knowledgeable health care provider before starting any new supplements.
If you have questions about Ipriflavones, calcium supplementation, or osteoporosis, come down to Janzen’s or call to book a personal consultation.
February 2010
February is Heart Health month and as such, we should all spend a little time reflecting on the importance of this life sustaining organ. The heart beats approximately 100,000 times, pumping 5.6 liters of blood the equivalence of 19,000 km, every single day. Even at rest, the heart muscles work twice as hard as the leg muscles of a person sprinting.
The demand for energy from the heart is staggering and yet few of us ever give it much thought. The heart is a muscle and therefore will maintain its strength only if exercised. Any physical activity will increase the efficiency of the heart and reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Other lifestyle changes will also reduce you risk of mortality from CVD, including: quitting smoking, reducing stress, losing weight, managing hypertension and cholesterol, and eating a healthy diet.
Nutritional supplements can also be useful for reducing the risk of CVD. Here is a brief list of some of the risk factors associated with CVD and the corresponding supplements that have shown clinical benefit for reducing them. Lipoprotein (a) lowered with Vitamin C; Triglycerides lowered with Fish Oil, LDL Cholesterol lowered with Niacin, Policosanol, or Beta-sitosterol; C-reactive Protein lowered with Fish Oil and exercise, and Homocysteine lowered with Vitamin B12, B6 and Folic Acid.
If you have any questions about the prevention and management of Cardiovascular Disease come down to Janzen’s or make an appointment for a personal consultation. Also visit us on the web at www.janznes.ca
January 2010
Aging and disease are not caused by too few trips to the doctor’s office, nor are they a deficiency of medication. The most accepted theory is that they are caused by unstable atoms called ‘free radicals’.
Free radicals are atoms that have an unpaired electron. They desperately seek to find an electron to make them stable. In this search, they collide with other atoms and steal their electrons, thus making the donor atom a free radical. This game of atomic ‘hot potato’ continues and the net result is cellular damage. If enough cellular damage occurs, cells die and disease, aging and eventually death ensue.
Free radicals are formed during the production of energy in the mitochondria of our cells, from exposure to environmental toxins, and from exposure to radiation. They are also formed by our immune system and used as weaponry against viruses, bacteria, and genetic mutations, within our cells. In this sense, free radicals are both beneficial and destructive. Fortunately, we have agents to contain their destructive ability. These free radical quenchers are called anti-oxidants.
Anti-oxidants are either water soluble (Vitamin C, glutathione, lipoic acid, etc.), or fat soluble (Vitamin E, lipoic acid, CoQ10 etc). By utilizing both water soluble and fat soluble antioxidants, the body has the capability to protect the inside and the outside of the cell.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can increase your levels of antioxidants. Supplementing additional antioxidants can also slow the free radicals destructive capability. If you have questions about antioxidants and their effectiveness, come down to Janzen’s and discuss your options.
December 2009
Sugar is synonymous with obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay, but did you know that some sugars actually offer therapeutic benefits. In fact, one simple sugar is actually a part of DNA, RNA and ATP, the energy currency of every cell.
Ribose is a simple sugar which is different than what we commonly think of as sugar, namely glucose. Unlike glucose, ribose has five carbon atoms, not six, which means it does not act in the same way glucose does in the body. It does not affect insulin and it does not contribute to the ill effects associated with excess glucose consumption.
In fact, Ribose is vital for the body’s manufacture of ATP, which is the major source of energy used by our cells. Numerous studies have established the usefulness of ribose for individuals with heart disease. When the heart is starved for oxygen, as can occur with a heart attack or angina, it loses much of its ATP, and its ATP levels remain low for several days, even after blood flow is resumed. Supplying extra ribose in the blood helps to restore the heart’s normal ATP levels more quickly. This finding has raised hopes that ribose supplements might improve heart functioning and increase exercise capacity.
Furthermore, clinical research suggests that taking a ribose supplement can improve energy, sleep, sense of well-being and decrease pain in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
For more information about the use of Ribose, come down to Janzen’s to discuss your options. Also, visit us on the internet at www.janzens.ca
November 2009
Can a single nutritional supplement protect your liver from toxins, decrease your risk of heart disease, reduce the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and protect you from infection? It can, and its name is N-Acetyl Cysteine or NAC, for short.
NAC is the stable form of the amino acid L-Cysteine, and therefore, a precursor to Glutathione, a powerful detoxification enzyme. In fact, NAC is given to prevent liver damage in cases of Acetaminophen overdose and is used to detoxify from lead, mercury and cadmium toxicity.
NAC is also a mucolytic agent, meaning it makes mucus thinner so it can be more easily expelled. For this reason, it is used in chronic bronchitis, ‘smoker’s cough’, phlegm overproduction caused by a cold, and cystic fibrosis.
NAC also appears to significantly reduce symptoms of influenza. In a clinical study of 262 seniors, regular use of NAC helped prevent the development of the flu. Over a 6-month study period, only 25% of participants taking NAC developed flu-like symptoms, as compared to 79% in the placebo group. Interestingly, blood tests suggested that NAC did not prevent influenza infection; rather, the supplement seemed to reduce the rate at which influenza infection became severe enough to cause noticeable symptoms.
NAC is also effective for lowering lipoprotein (a) and homocysteine, two indicators of heart disease. Other evidence suggests NAC is capable of decreasing nitroglycerin tolerance, decreasing the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs and may have potential anti-cancer properties.
If you are considering supplementing NAC, come down to Janzen’s to discuss your options, or visit us on the internet at www.janzens.ca
October 2009
The lens of the eye focuses light on a portion of the retina called the macula, the area of finest visual perception. Gradual deterioration of the macula is called macular degeneration. After cataracts, damage to the macula is the second most common cause of visual impairment in those over 65. Smoking, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis are associated with a higher risk of macular degeneration. Bright light also appears to play a role by creating damaging natural substances in the eye, called free radicals.
There are two forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry, dry being the most common and the one for which nutritional support has proven effective. With dry macular degeneration, a substance called lipofuscin accumulates on the macula, inhibiting proper transmission of the images.
Recently the natural product market has been flooded with products to support eye health (Vitalux®, Occuvite®, etc.). Most of these products contain antioxidants including zinc, beta carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, copper, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. The antioxidants in these formulas help reduce the amount of oxidative stress and free radical damage in the eye.
There are very few adverse effects when taking these supplements; however, they should always be taken with food to limit the possibility of stomach upset. The high level of zinc in these supplements has also raised concern with some as excess zinc can cause copper deficiency and can suppress immunity.
If you are considering nutritional support for macular degeneration, come down to Janzen’s to discuss your options, or book an appointment for a personal consultation to discuss your complete medical and nutritional profile.
September 2009
The risk of thyroid dysfunction increases with age and is most prevalent in females over 50, although the prevalence does increase for men as well. Thyroid dysfunction often escapes clinical detection because its symptoms often mimic those changes associated with aging itself.
Hypothyroidism can be masked by the generality and overlap of its symptoms, including a general slowing of mental and physical function, tendency towards low body temperatures and cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, hardening of the arteries, elevation of serum lipids (cholesterol), elevation of blood pressure, occasional depression and anemia.
Apathetic (indifferent) behaviour may be part of aging but may also be the presenting clinical finding of hyperthyroidism in the elderly. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include irregular heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, nervousness, sweating, weight loss and muscle weakness, which may also be misinterpreted as part of the aging process.
Nutritional inadequacies can also result in low grade hypothyroidism. Selenium, iodine and the amino acid, L-Tyrosine are intricately involved in normal thyroid function. Certain medications can also affect thyroid function as can other hormone imbalances.
The thyroid is very sensitive to changes in medications, the environment, stress and nutrients; therefore, caution should be exercised when attempting to correct an abnormality.
If you have questions about thyroid disorders or the medications used in their treatment, come down to Janzen’s or call to book a personal consultation.
June 2009
Vinpocetine is a nutritional supplement derived from Vinca minor, or the lesser periwinkle plant. It is primarily used to treat cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia, however; it is also very effective at alleviating the symptoms of Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and Meniere’s disease, characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, and occasionally hearing loss.
Vinpocetine has been extensively studied in Europe for aiding in senile dementia. In fact, it is a prescription drug in most European countries under the trade name Cavinton (R), however; it is classified as a nutritional supplement in Canada and can be sold over the counter.
Vinpocetine appears to work by increasing blood flow to the brain. It also appears to increase the cerebral metabolism and increases glucose and oxygen consumption by the brain. Furthermore, Vinpocetine increases microcirculation, improves red blood cell deformities, and inhibits platelet aggregation, all of which likely account for its effectiveness in dementia, Meniere’s disease and Tinnitus.
There have been no adverse reactions reported with the use of Vinpocetine at therapeutic levels. However, because of its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, caution is warranted by those on blood thinning medications.
The standard therapeutic dose is 10mg three times daily and absorption is greatly increased by taking it with food.
If you have questions about Vinpocetine, senile dementia, Tinnitus, Meniere’s disease or the medications used in the treatment of these conditions, come down to Janzen’s or call to book a personal consultation.
May 2009
It is estimated than more than half of all Canadians do not eat the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Health Canada has recently increased their ‘recommended servings’ and the average adult should now be consuming between 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.There are many reasons people don’t eat sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables, most notably lack of availability, concerns about freshness, and cost. If you are someone who just can’t meet the recommended servings every day, perhaps ‘Green Suplements’ are for you.
Green Supplements are powdered extracts of fruits, vegetables, berries, herbs and grasses. Gram for gram these mixtures contain an extraordinary amount of nutrients and antioxidants. Clinical studies at the University of Toronto have established that a Greens supplement can increase the production of osteoblasts thereby having a positive effect on osteoporosis. Greens formulas have also been clinically shown to increase energy and most users report an overall improvement in their sense of wellbeing.Furthermore, most green supplements contain fiber to promote regularity, essential fatty acids to alleviate inflammation, and some will even contain vitamins, minerals and herbs. Due to the popularity of these green supplements, many formulas have been developed to cater to individual needs.
Green Supplements were not designed to replace fruits and vegetables, but rather to complement a diet that may not be meeting the recommended servings each and every day.
If you have questions about the benefits of Green supplements, come down to Janzen’s or call to book a personal consultation.
April Issue
Did you know that some prescribed medications might actually make your condition worse, or lead to other illnesses? Drug induced nutrient depletions occur when prescription drugs cause nutrients to be improperly absorbed, excreted quicker than usual, and/or hinder the nutrients activity in the body.
By now, many people appreciate that the Statin class of medications (Lipitor, Zocor, etc.), used in the treatment of elevated cholesterol, deplete natural levels of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10). CoQ10 is used by every cell in the body for the production of energy. Organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and brain have a greater demand for CoQ10 as a result of their greater demand for energy. Statins are not alone. Beta blockers (Atenolol, Metoprolol), thiazide diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide, etc), and anti-diabetic agents (Glyburide etc.) also affect CoQ10 levels, thereby decreasing cellular energy.
Medication used to decrease stomach acid also decrease the absorption of many nutrients. H2 blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid etc.) and proton pump inhibitors (Pantoloc, Prevacid) hinder the absorption of calcium, chromium, folic acid, iron, vitamin B12, beta-carotene and impair protein metabolism.
These are only a few examples of drug-nutrient depletions. Prolonged use of these medications can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which will inevitably lead to a progression of the disease or condition you are trying to treat.
If you are taking any of the above medications, or any other medications that may deplete nutrients, come down to Janzen’s to discuss your options, or book an appointment for a personal consultation to discuss your complete medical and nutritional profile.
March 09
Vitamin D is getting a lot of attention lately, and rightfully so. This cholesterol derived vitamin has the potential to greatly reduce the incidence of many forms of cancer, including; colorectal, breast, prostate, leukemia, melanoma, and lymphoma. Furthermore, it has the ability to lessen rheumatic pains, muscle weakness, bone fractures, tooth decay, psoriasis, and age related hearing loss.
Vitamin D (D3, cholecalciferol) has many biological functions, most notably the maintenance of serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorous levels. It is widely accepted as an adjunct in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and in the prevention of rickets and osteomalacia, the classical deficiency states. More recent research indicates that Vitamin D is involved in cell replication and immune regulation. In a large study of Caucasian military personnel, those with the highest serum Vitamin D levels were 62% less likely to develop Multiple Sclerosis and other auto immune conditions.
Vitamin D is not abundant in the typical North American diet. Fatty fish (Salmon, Herring, Sardines, etc) are the best food sources. Variable amounts can also be found egg yolk, butter, cream and liver. Health Canada regulations also allow milk, orange juice and milk alternatives to be fortified. However, Health Canada recommends that in addition to following Canada’s Food Guide, all adults over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU). The Canadian Cancer Society is advocating 25 micrograms (1000 IU) daily.
If you have questions about Vitamin D, come down to Janzen’s or call 345-6324 to book a personal consultation.